Rahul Gandhi Demands Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation, BJP Rejects Vote-Theft Allegations
Politics NationalPosted by admin on 2026-09-24 16:25:23 |
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A fresh political confrontation has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over the functioning of the Election Commission of India and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, September 24, demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. During a press conference in New Delhi, Gandhi accused the CEC and the ruling establishment of undermining the electoral process. These are allegations made by Gandhi and have been rejected by the BJP and the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi's Allegations
Gandhi alleged that irregularities in the electoral system could have wider consequences for India's democratic and constitutional institutions. He used the phrases "vote chori, kanoon chori, sanstha chori" — referring to what he described as theft of votes, laws and institutions.
He also called Gyanesh Kumar a "deshdrohi" and demanded that the CEC step down. Gandhi further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would face investigation over what he described as an electoral conspiracy.
Gandhi linked his allegations to questions surrounding the SIR exercise and reports about disagreements within the Election Commission over certain electoral decisions.
Disagreement Within the Election Commission
The controversy intensified after reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised formal objections on several occasions concerning electoral procedures, database changes and aspects of the SIR process.
According to reports, the Election Commission has maintained that differences of opinion can occur during internal discussions but that final decisions of the full Commission were unanimous.
The reported internal differences have nevertheless become a major political issue, with opposition parties demanding greater scrutiny of the poll body's functioning.
BJP Responds to Rahul Gandhi
The BJP has rejected Gandhi's allegations and criticised his press conference.
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi described Gandhi's claims as being based on what he characterised as questionable sources. The BJP also challenged Gandhi's argument that the absence of visible anti-incumbency in several states demonstrated manipulation of elections.
The BJP has also pointed to the Congress party's electoral history in several states while questioning Gandhi's interpretation of electoral trends. These arguments are part of the BJP's political response to the allegations and do not independently establish whether any electoral irregularities occurred.
Opposition Demands Action
The dispute has extended beyond the Congress. Other opposition parties have also raised concerns about the Election Commission and the SIR process and have called for action involving the CEC.
Reports also indicate that opposition parties are considering another attempt to initiate proceedings seeking the removal of Gyanesh Kumar from the post.
The Congress is expected to discuss its next steps at a meeting of its working committee later this month.
Election Commission's Position
The Election Commission has defended its procedures and rejected allegations of electoral manipulation. It has maintained that the final decisions of the Commission were taken collectively despite differences that may have arisen during internal deliberations.
The dispute therefore remains a political and institutional controversy, with the Congress and other opposition parties demanding greater accountability while the BJP and Election Commission reject the allegations.
The developments surrounding the SIR exercise, internal Election Commission discussions and the opposition's demands for action against the CEC are likely to remain an important political issue in the coming days.